Interested in finding out about the freshest new businesses in Encino? From authentic Thai cuisine to nutritious smoothies, read on for a rundown of the newest destinations to debut in this part of Los Angeles.
Lusy's Mediterranean Cafe & Grill
16200 Ventura Blvd.
Lusy's Mediterranean Cafe & Grill is a casual spot — with an additional outpost in Van Nuys — featuring recipes "that have been handed down from generation to generation," the restaurant explains. "Lusy learned to cook from her grandmother and believes in making meals from scratch and with quality ingredients."
Menu offerings include hand-rolled red lentil bites; chicken shish kebab marinated in spices; and beef shawarma served with tahini sauce, chopped tomatoes, fresh pita and hummus. (Check out the full menu here.)
Lusy's Mediterranean Cafe & Grill's current Yelp rating of five stars out of nine reviews indicates positive feedback.
Yelper Andrea S., who reviewed the eatery on April 19, wrote: "This is literally the only Mediterranean food I've ever truly loved. I've tried numerous restaurants and nothing compares to Lusy's juicy flavorful food."
"Ordered the gyro plate and red lentil bites," shared Yelper Fred D. "I don't know what red lentil bites are supposed to taste like, but man these things are addictive. Where have they been my whole life?"
Lusy's Mediterranean Cafe & Grill is open from 10 a.m.–8 p.m. on Monday-Wednesday and 10 a.m.–9 p.m. on Thursday-Saturday. (It's closed on Sunday.)
Robeks Juice
4922 Balboa Blvd.
Robeks Juice, a national chain with locations across the U.S., is a spot to score healthy and handcrafted smoothies, juice and açai bowls made with natural and fresh ingredients.
On the menu, expect to see an assortment of smoothie offerings like the Queen of all Greens (kale, spinach, pineapple, banana and apple juice) and the P-Nut Power Plus (banana, peanut butter, nonfat frozen yogurt, soy milk, multi-vitamin and whey protein).
Açai bowls are also on hand, as well as fresh juices with flavors ranging from cucumber and kale to orange and lemon ginger. (You can view the full menu here.)
Yelpers are excited about Robeks Juice, which currently holds five stars out of nine reviews on the site.
Mason T., who reviewed the shop on April 28, wrote: "What a great Robeks Juice store! Came in on a Saturday and was greeted by friendly staff and a very clean store. The drink was prepared perfectly and the owner was even there to give it to me when it was done! I will definitely be a regular customer here!"
And Bassel T. noted: "Got a smoothie today, was natural and had no sugar added. Service was great. Never seen a Robeks in the area before, so this is pretty nice."
Robeks Juice is open from 8 a.m.–9 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m.–7 p.m. on weekends.
American Icon
18018 Ventura Blvd.
American Icon is a cabinetry company that "strives to deliver the most dazzling and functional kitchen layouts at excellent price points," according to its website.
Stop by the spot's showroom to see an assortment of style options including premium wood cabinets, backsplashes, sinks, countertops and more. (Visit the company's business page here for a listing of kitchen samples.)
American Icon is off to a strong start with a five-star Yelp rating.
Yelper Rashad K., who reviewed the business on March 3, wrote: "Perfect design, perfect price, perfect guys and showroom. My kitchen completely changed in four days."
"Awesome company to work with!" said Yelper James W. "Their prices are awesome and their timing couldn't get better, as I had a last-minute change in vanities, and they had everything done and installed in less then a week!"
American Icon is open from 9 a.m.–8 p.m. on Monday-Saturday. (It's open on Sunday by appointment only.)
Spicy Lime Thai
15928 Ventura Blvd., Suite 101
Spicy Lime Thai is a family-owned restaurant featuring traditional Thai cuisine such as noodles, curries, seafood and salads.
On the menu, expect to see dishes like lemongrass pork with special herbs and spices; fresh shrimp rolls served with peanut sauce; and the Panang curry with red bell pepper in a coconut milk sauce topped with kaffir lime leaves. (Check out the full menu here.)
Spicy Lime Thai has received a warm reception thus far with 4.5 stars out of 45 reviews on Yelp.
Yelper Matt C., who reviewed the eatery on June 6, wrote: "My family and I have ordered from Spicy Lime almost once a week since it opened, it's that good. The curries are amazingly complex and delicious, blooming with fragrant herbs and spices, and the way they cook the chicken/duck/pork makes it melty and savory at once, and truly delectable."
"This is a place where the staff is very friendly and the food is amazing," stated Yelper Alex K. "Authentic Thai dishes with amazing flavors."
Spicy Lime Thai is open from 11 a.m.–9:30 p.m. on weekdays and noon–9:30 p.m. on weekends.
